Plumbing manifold device, system, and method

ABSTRACT

A plumbing manifold system includes a manifold configured to attach to at least one supply line and at least one distribution line, and a base configured to mount to at least one framing element of a building and to organize the at least one distribution line, wherein the manifold is configured to attach to the base, wherein the base includes at least one set of corresponding passageways for the at least one distribution line, wherein the at least one distribution line passes through the at least one set of corresponding passageways when the at least one distribution line is attached to the manifold. A plumbing manifold mount apparatus and a method of organizing a plurality of water lines are also provided.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The subject matter disclosed herein relates generally to plumbing manifolds and systems. More particularly, the subject matter relates to a plumbing manifold device including a base or mount for the plumbing manifold. The base or mount may be designed to organize plumbing lines distributing water to and/or from the manifold. A related system and method is also disclosed.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Plumbing manifolds serve as centralized locations for the receipt and distribution of water from primary service or supply lines to other areas or locations. For example, a manifold may receive cold water from a main water supply line. The manifold may also receive hot water from a water heater or boiler. The manifold may have outputs for multiple distribution water lines, either hot water lines or cold water lines, in order to deliver water to appliances, devices, and other fixtures throughout a house or building. As examples, hot and cold water lines may run from the manifold to a washing machine, a sink, a bathtub/shower, and other locations in the house or building.

The plumbing manifold itself should be located in the house or building such that it is readily accessible for maintenance and/or for adding or removing water lines as additional devices or locations need to be connected. The plumbing manifold may ideally be located where it will not interfere with occupants of the house or building and will not take up unnecessary space. For example, in residential buildings such as single family houses, the plumbing manifold is often located in the basement. However, in many buildings, the plumbing manifold may be unaesthetic and may also interfere with a resident's desire to have a finished basement.

The plumbing manifold also often requires support. For example, the plumbing manifold may be attached to a wall or to a stud or other framing member. Such locations again interfere with aesthetic choices of the residents. Further, they may interfere with, or even prevent, the user from finishing the basement location (for example, using sheetrock) since the manifold must remain accessible.

Moreover, using conventional manifolds, the distribution water lines are not organized or arranged, but are haphazardly attached to the manifold without any additional organization or support. Such arrangements make it difficult to accurately identify which distribution water line goes to which device or location, are not aesthetically pleasing, take up excess space, and interfere with the user's use of the basement or other location. Further, conventional attempts to organize the distribution water lines, such as drilling holes in studs or framing members, do not fully remedy these deficiencies and unnecessarily weaken the studs or framing members. Such weakening of framing members should be avoided wherever possible in order to maintain proper structural integrity.

Improved plumbing manifold devices, as well as systems including the same and methods of them, would be well received in the art.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

According to one aspect, a plumbing manifold system comprises a manifold configured to attach to at least one supply line and at least one distribution line, and a base configured to mount to at least one framing element of a building and to organize the at least one distribution line, wherein the manifold is configured to attach to the base, wherein the base includes at least one set of corresponding passageways for the at least one distribution line, and wherein the at least one distribution line passes through the at least one set of corresponding passageways when the at least one distribution line is attached to the manifold.

According to another aspect, a plumbing manifold mount apparatus, comprises a base configured to receive a plumbing manifold, wherein the base is configured to mount to at least one framing element of a building, wherein the plumbing manifold is configured to attach to at least one supply line and at least one distribution line, and wherein the base has at least one set of corresponding passageways configured for passage of the at least one distribution line when the at least one distribution line is attached to the plumbing manifold.

According to another aspect, a method of organizing a plurality of water lines, comprises providing a plumbing manifold, a supply line, and a distribution line, providing a base configured to mount to at least one framing element of a building, wherein the base has a set of corresponding passageways configured for passage of the distribution line, passing the distribution line through the set of corresponding passageways, attaching the plumbing manifold to the base, and attaching the supply line and distribution line to the plumbing manifold.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The subject matter which is regarded as the invention is particularly pointed out and distinctly claimed in the claims at the conclusion of the specification. The foregoing and other features and advantages of the invention are apparent from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 depicts a front view of a plumbing manifold system in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 2 depicts a side view of the plumbing manifold system of FIG. 1 in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 3 depicts a back view of the plumbing manifold system of FIGS. 1-2 in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 4 depicts a top view of the plumbing manifold system of FIGS. 1-3 in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 5 depicts a side perspective view of the plumbing manifold system of FIGS. 1-4 in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 6 depicts a side perspective view of a base or mount without a manifold and without any water lines attached in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 7 depicts a side perspective view of the base or mount of FIG. 6 wherein the base or mount has a removeable panel in accordance with an embodiment of the invention; and

FIG. 8 depicts a flowchart of a method setting up a plumbing manifold system in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

A detailed description of the hereinafter described embodiments of the disclosed apparatus and method are presented herein by way of exemplification and not limitation with reference to the Figures.

In brief overview, a mountable plumbing manifold base and system that can organize a manifold and water lines on the base without structurally damaging or weakening any framing members is disclosed.

Referring firstly to FIG. 1, a plumbing manifold system 100 is shown. The plumbing manifold system 100 includes a manifold 110. The manifold 110 may be a PEX manifold as known in the art.

The manifold 110 may receive a supply line such as supply lines 120. For example, as shown in the embodiment depicted in FIG. 1, the supply lines 120 may attach to the manifold 110. The supply lines may include one or both of a cold supply line 121 and a hot supply line 122. Further, while only two supply lines 120 are shown, multiple cold supply lines may be used and/or multiple hot supply lines may be used, as needed. The supply lines 120 may be PEX tubing or other material as known in the art.

Depending on the configuration of the manifold 110, a building (not shown) in which the manifold 110 is to be used, and the arrangement of other fixtures in the building, the cold supply line 121 may connect the manifold 110 to a main water supply or main service line (not shown). Similarly, the hot supply line 122 may connect the manifold 110 to a water heater (not shown), boiler, or similar device.

The manifold 110 may distribute water through a distribution line such as distribution lines 130. For example, as shown in the embodiment depicted in FIG. 1, the distribution lines 130 may attach to the manifold 110. The distribution lines may include one or both of a cold distribution line 131 and a hot distribution line 132. Further, multiple cold distribution lines 131 a, 131 b . . . 131 n may be used, and multiple hot distribution lines 132 a, 132 b . . . 132 n may be used, as needed. Like the supply lines 120, the distribution lines 130 may be PEX tubing or other material as known in the art.

The plumbing manifold system 100 also comprises a base 150, also sometimes referred to as a mount 150. As shown in the embodiment depicted in FIG. 1, the manifold 110 may be centrally located with respect to the base 150, although such a position is not required. In some embodiments, the manifold 110 may be attached to the base 150, either fixedly, semi-fixedly, or removably. For example, the manifold 110 may be directly attached to the base 150 or the manifold 110 may include a plate or other component (not shown) such that the manifold 110 may be fastened to the base 150, for example, using a screw, bolt, nail, or other fastener. Alternatively, the manifold 110 and the base 150 may be connected using a hook, strap, or other device. Additional attachment means may be used such as a press fit, snap fit, tension fit, and the like.

The base or mount 150 may be made of any suitable material. For example, the base or mount 150 may be made of wood, metal, plastic, composite materials, or other materials.

The base or mount 150 may be configured to attach or mount to a framing element of the building or structure. For example, the base may be configured to mount to a wall, to a stud, or to another structural component of the building or structure.

In some embodiments, the base 150 may be directly attached to the framing element, for example, using a screw, bolt, nail or other fastener. In some embodiments, the base 150 may include a plate or other component such that the base 150 may be fastened to the framing element, for example, using a screw, bolt, nail, or other fastener. Alternatively, the base 150 may be connected to the framing element using a hook, strap, or other device. Additional attachment means may be used such as a press fit, snap fit, tension fit, and the like.

Referring now to FIGS. 6 and 7, the base 150 is depicted according to embodiments of the invention. The base 150 may be seen in more detail in these figures, both because a side perspective view is shown and because the manifold 110, supply lines 120, and distribution lines 130 are not shown.

The base 150 may include right side portion 152 and a left side portion 151. Again, these features may be clearly seen in FIGS. 6 and 7. FIGS. 4 and 5 also clearly depict these features along with the manifold 110, supply lines 120, and distribution lines 130. The right side portion 152 and the left side portion 151 may define a volume 160 located between the right side portion 152 and the left side portion 151. As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the manifold 110 may be provided within the volume 160 such that the manifold 110 resides at least partially within the volume 160. In some embodiments, the manifold 110 may reside fully within the volume 160, i.e., may not extend past a line drawn between distal ends of the right side portion 152 and the left side portion 151. Such embodiments may be the most effective for housing the manifold 110 and ensuring the manifold 110 does not unnecessarily interfere with a user. However, in some embodiments, the manifold 110 may reside substantially within the volume 160 or only partially within the volume 160.

The base 150 may also include a panel 155. Again, the panel 155 is clearly shown in FIGS. 4 through 7. As shown in FIG. 7, the panel 155 may be removeable in some embodiments. For example, in one embodiment, the panel 155 may be configured to be inserted into grooves 156 located on the right side portion 152 and the left side portion 151. In the embodiment depicted in FIG. 7, the grooves 156 extend the length of the respective side portions, and the panel 155 may be retained within the grooves 156 using a press fit, a snap fit, a friction fit, a retaining tab, or other feature as would be known in the art. In additional embodiments, the grooves 156 do not extend the full length of the respective side portions and the panel 155 will be retained within the grooves 156 by gravity and prevented from falling out by an end of the groove 156. Other arrangements for retaining the panel 155, for example, without using a groove, may also be used in embodiments of the invention. For example, the panel may be removeable attached using fasteners or may be otherwise retained in position.

As shown most clearly in FIGS. 4 through 6, when the panel 155 is inserted in the base 150, the volume 160 may be divided to form a cavity 161 located behind the panel 155. The cavity 161 may be formed by the respective right side portion 152 and left side portion 151 on substantially opposing sides, and the panel 155 and a back 170 of the base or mount 150 on another set of substantially opposing sides. The back 170 may be seen more clearly in FIG. 3.

In the depicted embodiment, the manifold 110 is mounted on the panel 155, for example, on the side of the panel 155 opposite from the cavity 161. Again, the manifold 110 may reside within the volume 160, partially within the volume 160, or outside the volume 160. In some embodiments, it is possible for the manifold 110 to be located within the cavity 161. For example, the manifold 110 could be mounted on the back 170 of the base 150 or in other locations.

The cavity 161 may receive the distribution lines 130. The distribution lines 130 may be bundled or gathered together as shown. For example, the distribution lines may be tied together using zip ties, Velcro ties, cords, or other holding elements. These elements may serve to help organize and arrange the distribution lines 130.

As shown in FIGS. 1 through 5, the distribution lines 130 may enter the cavity 161 from above. Such an arrangement reflects the conventional plumbing arrangement in residential structures, for example, distribution lines run from a manifold located in the basement up to various fixtures and devices throughout the residential structure. If desired, the distribution lines could enter the cavity 161 from below, from one or both of the right side portion 152 and the left side portion 151, from the back 170, or combinations thereof.

Referring now to FIG. 2, a right side view of the plumbing manifold system 100 is shown. The right side portion 152 may include a passageway such as passageway 180. As shown, a plurality of passageways 180 may be used.

Further, in the embodiment shown, sets of corresponding passageways are used. Each set of corresponding passageways comprises a first passageway 183 and a second passageway 184. Again, multiple sets of corresponding passageways, each comprising a first passageway 183 and a second passageway 184, are used. For example, as shown in FIG. 2, first passageway 183 a corresponds to second passageway 184 a, first passageway 183 b corresponds to second passageway 184 b, . . . and first passageway 183 n corresponds to second passageway 184 n.

While only the right side portion 152 is shown in the FIG. 4, the left side portion 151 may include similar features. In some embodiments, the right side portion 152 and the left side portion 151 may have passageways 180 that are symmetrically arranged on the two side portions; however, this arrangement is not required. Further, in some embodiments, for example if only hot or cold distribution lines were needed, only one of the right side portion 152 and the left side portion 151 may include passageways 180. Further, in some embodiments, one of the right side portion 152 and the left side portion 151 may include a greater number of passageways 180, or may include other features that are not included on the other respective side portion.

As shown in FIG. 2, the first passageway 183 and second passageway 184 of a set of corresponding passageways are horizontally offset by a distance X with respect to the base or mount 150. The distance X may be identical or substantially identical between the respective sets of corresponding passageways; however, such an arrangement is not required and the distance X may vary between respective sets of corresponding passageways.

As shown in FIG. 2, the first passageway 183 may be located proximate to a front of the base or mount 150, and may be referred to as a front passageway. Conversely, the second passageway 184 may be located more proximate to the back 170 of the base 150, and may be referred to as a back passageway. In an embodiment, the first passageway 183 may receive a distribution line 130 from the manifold 110 located in the volume 160 of the base 150. The distribution line 130 may thus pass through the respective side portion, for example, the right side portion 152 as shown in FIG. 2. The distribution line 130 may extend from the first passageway 183 to the second passageway 184 and pass through the second passageway 184 and thus again pass through the respective side portion. Thus, the distribution line 130 may again enter the base 150, this time entering the cavity 161. As shown in FIG. 2, multiple distribution lines may pass through corresponding sets of passageways and thus extend from the manifold 110 through the respective side portion, back through the respective side portion into the cavity 161, and then from the cavity 161 to the respective device, fixture, or other location within the building/structure. Further, one or more distribution lines 130 may be arranged on either or both of the respective side portions of the base 150. As discussed above with respect to FIG. 4, multiple distribution lines 130 may be gathered or bundled within the cavity 161. Such an arrangement may serve to help retain and organize the many distribution lines typically need for a building.

In some embodiments, such as that shown in FIG. 2, the first passageway 183 and second passageway 184 of a set of corresponding passageways may also be vertically offset by a distance Y with respect to the base or mount 150. Again, the distance Y may be identical or substantially identical between the respective sets of corresponding passageways; however, such an arrangement is not required and the distance Y may vary between respective sets of corresponding passageways. Further, in some embodiments, the first passageway 183 and second passageway 184 of a set of corresponding passageways may not be vertically offset but may be located on a horizontal plane with respect to the base 150 or may be substantially horizontal from each other.

As discussed above, in some embodiments, the arrangement of sets of corresponding passageways, including any distance X or distance Y, may be symmetrical between the right side portion 152 and the left side portion 151 or may vary between the respective side portions. For example, one respective side portion may use a vertical offset distance Y that is different from the other side. Likewise, one respective side portion may use a vertical offset distance Y while the other respective side portion does not use any vertical offset.

In some embodiments, the sets of corresponding passageways may begin or end at different heights on the respective side portions. Such an arrangement may provide more room for the distribution lines 130 as they enter and exit the cavity 161.

Further, in some embodiments, the distance X may differ between the respective side portions. For example, respective second passageways 184 of one side may be located closer to the back 170 while respective second passageways 184 of the other side may be located further from the back 170. Again, such an arrangement may provide more room for the distribution lines 130 as they enter and exit the cavity 161, for example, by providing horizontal spacing between the distribution lines 130 entering the cavity from different respective side portions.

The plumbing manifold system 100 may be used to attach or organize a plumbing system of a building. The plumbing system of the building may include supply lines such as supply lines 120 and distribution lines such as distribution lines 130. Additional elements such as a water supply, water heater, boiler, etc. may be included, as may the devices, fixtures, and locations to which water is to be distributed.

The plumbing manifold system 100 may also be used in a method of setting up or organizing the plumbing system of the building. The method may include the step of providing a base or mount such as the base or mount 150 described above. The step of providing the base or mount may include attaching or mounting the base or mount onto a framing element of the building.

The method may include the step of providing a plumbing manifold such as the plumbing manifold 110 described above. Providing the plumbing manifold may include attaching or mounting the plumbing manifold onto the base or mount.

The method may also include the step of providing one or more supply lines such as the supply lines 120 described above. Further, the method may include the step of attaching the supply lines to the plumbing manifold. As described above, the supply lines may supply water to the plumbing manifold from a water source or from water heater or other device.

The method may also include the step of providing one or more distribution lines such as the distribution lines 130 described above. Further, the method may include the step of attaching the distribution lines to the plumbing manifold. As described above, the distribution lines may supply water from the plumbing manifold to a device, fixture, or other location in the building.

The method may include the step of passing the distribution lines through passageways, such as the first passageway 183 and second passageway 184 described above, as part of the step of attaching the distribution lines.

Further, the method may include the step of gathering or bundling multiple distribution lines, for example, within a cavity such as cavity 161.

In embodiments of the method, the distribution lines may be provided along with the base or mount having a removable panel such as panel 155 described above. The panel may be removed to allow easy access into a volume such as the volume 160 described above and/or a cavity such as the cavity 161 described above. The distribution lines may then be passed through the respective passageways and/or bundled or gathered. Performing these steps with the removable panel removed may facilitate quick and easy threading of the distribution lines through the passageways. Once the distribution lines are arranged as desired, the panel may be replaced. It will be understood that these steps may be performed in an alternative order. For example, the distribution lines may be attached to the manifold first and then threaded through the respective passageways and bundled or gathered. The plumbing manifold may have already been attached to the panel, for example, using a plate or component as discussed above, or may be attached to the panel after the panel is replaced. Likewise, the manifold may have already been connected to the supply lines or may be connected at this time and the distribution lines may now be connected.

Referring now to FIG. 8, a flow chart of a method 800 for setting up a plumbing manifold system in accordance with embodiments of the invention is depicted. Embodiments of the method 800 include step 801 wherein a base or mount is provided. In step 802 a plumbing manifold is attached to the base or mount. In step 803 distribution lines are provided in passageways of the base or mount. In step 804 the distribution lines are attached to the plumbing manifold. In step 805 supply lines are attached to the plumbing manifold to complete the plumbing system.

The description of methods, including the flowchart of FIG. 8, illustrate possible implementations of methods for setting up a plumbing manifold system according to embodiments of the invention. In alternative embodiments, the steps noted may occur out of the order noted. For example, steps described or shown in succession may be accomplished as one step, executed concurrently, substantially concurrently, in a partially or wholly temporally overlapping manner, may sometimes be executed in an alternate order or even reverse order, or may be omitted.

The systems, devices, arrangements, and methods described herein allow the manifold 110 to be positioned within the structure as needed, for example, on a framing element located in the basement. Further, the systems, devices, arrangements, and methods allow the manifold 110, supply lines 120, and distribution lines 130 to be arranged and organized in an efficient, space-saving manner while remaining accessible. The systems, devices, arrangements, and methods also avoid weakening or comprising framing elements of the building or structure while still providing the benefits described herein.

Elements of the embodiments have been introduced with either the articles “a” or “an.” The articles are intended to mean that there are one or more of the elements. The terms “including” and “having” and their derivatives are intended to be inclusive such that there may be additional elements other than the elements listed. The conjunction “or” when used with a list of at least two terms is intended to mean any term or combination of terms. The terms “first” and “second” are used to distinguish elements and are not used to denote a particular order.

While the invention has been described in detail in connection with only a limited number of embodiments, it should be readily understood that the invention is not limited to such disclosed embodiments. Rather, the invention can be modified to incorporate any number of variations, alterations, substitutions or equivalent arrangements not heretofore described, but which are commensurate with the spirit and scope of the invention. Additionally, while various embodiments of the invention have been described, it is to be understood that aspects of the invention may include only some of the described embodiments. Accordingly, the invention is not to be seen as limited by the foregoing description, but is only limited by the scope of the appended claims. 

I claim:
 1. A plumbing manifold system, comprising: a manifold configured to attach to at least one supply line and at least one distribution line, and a base configured to mount to at least one framing element of a building and to organize the at least one distribution line, wherein the manifold is configured to attach to the base, wherein the base includes at least one set of corresponding passageways for the at least one distribution line, and wherein the at least one distribution line passes through the at least one set of corresponding passageways when the at least one distribution line is attached to the manifold.
 2. The plumbing manifold system of claim 1, wherein the base has at least one side portion and each corresponding passageway of the at least one set of corresponding passageways is located on the at least one side portion.
 3. The plumbing manifold system of claim 1, wherein the base has a right side portion and a left side portion, and the at least one set of corresponding passageways includes at least one right set of corresponding passageways on the right side portion and at least one left set of corresponding passageways on the left side portion.
 4. The plumbing manifold system of claim 1, wherein the at least one set of corresponding passageways are horizontally offset on the base.
 5. The plumbing manifold system of claim 1, wherein the at least one set of corresponding passages for the at least one distribution line are vertically offset on the base.
 6. The plumbing manifold system of claim 1, wherein the base has a right side portion and a left side portion, the at least one set of corresponding passageways includes a right set of corresponding passageways on the right side portion and a left set of corresponding passageways on the left side portion, wherein the right set of corresponding passageways includes a right front passageway and a right rear passageway offset by a first distance, wherein the left set of corresponding passageways includes a left front passageway and a left rear passageway offset by a second distance, wherein the first distance is different than the second distance.
 7. The plumbing manifold system of claim 1, wherein the manifold is attached to a removeable panel of the base.
 8. The plumbing manifold system of claim 7, wherein a cavity is present behind the removeable panel.
 9. The plumbing manifold system of claim 8, wherein at least a portion of a length of the at least one distribution line is disposed within the cavity when the at least one distribution line is attached to the manifold and when the at least one distribution line passes through the at least one set of corresponding passageways.
 10. A plumbing manifold mount apparatus, comprising: a base configured to receive a plumbing manifold, wherein the base is configured to mount to at least one framing element of a building, wherein the plumbing manifold is configured to attach to at least one supply line and at least one distribution line, and wherein the base has at least one set of corresponding passageways configured for passage of the at least one distribution line when the at least one distribution line is attached to the plumbing manifold.
 11. The plumbing manifold mount apparatus of claim 10, wherein the base has at least one side portion and each corresponding passageway of the at least one set of corresponding passageways is located on the at least one side portion.
 12. The plumbing manifold mount apparatus of claim 10, wherein the base has a right side portion and a left side portion, and the at least one set of corresponding passageways includes at least one right set of corresponding passageways on the right side portion and at least one left set of corresponding passageways on the left side portion.
 13. The plumbing manifold mount apparatus of claim 10, wherein the at least one set of corresponding passageways are horizontally offset on the base.
 14. The plumbing manifold mount apparatus of claim 10, wherein the at least one set of corresponding passages for the at least one distribution line are vertically offset on the base.
 15. The plumbing manifold mount apparatus of claim 10, wherein the base has a right side portion and a left side portion, the at least one set of corresponding passageways includes a right set of corresponding passageways on the right side portion and a left set of corresponding passageways on the left side portion, wherein the right set of corresponding passageways includes a right front passageway and a right rear passageway offset by a first distance, wherein the left set of corresponding passageways includes a left front passageway and a left rear passageway offset by a second distance, wherein the first distance is different than the second distance.
 16. The plumbing manifold mount apparatus of claim 10, further comprising a removeable panel of the base.
 17. The plumbing manifold mount apparatus of claim 16, wherein a cavity is present behind the removeable panel.
 18. The plumbing manifold mount apparatus of claim 17, wherein at least a portion of a length of the at least one distribution line is disposed within the cavity when the at least one distribution line is attached to the manifold and when the at least one distribution line passes through the at least one set of corresponding passageways.
 19. A method of organizing a plurality of water lines, comprising: providing a plumbing manifold, a supply line, and a distribution line, providing a base configured to mount to at least one framing element of a building, wherein the base has a set of corresponding passageways configured for passage of the distribution line, passing the distribution line through the set of corresponding passageways, attaching the plumbing manifold to the base, and attaching the supply line and distribution line to the plumbing manifold.
 20. The method according to claim 19, further comprising: providing a second distribution line, passing the second distribution line through a second set of corresponding passageways, attaching the second distribution line to the second set of corresponding passageways, and gathering the distribution line and the second distribution line in a cavity of the base. 